Attention!
9 products
Sort by:
9 products
Impressive Size and Majestic Presence – An Ideal Choice for Beginner Giants
Lasiodora parahybana is one of the largest tarantulas in the world, originating from the humid regions of northeastern Brazil. Commonly known as the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater, this species captivates with its size and relatively calm disposition, making it an attractive choice for both novice and experienced tarantula keepers looking for a powerful yet manageable pet.
Natural Habitat and Geographical Origin
This majestic tarantula inhabits the tropical rainforests of Ceará, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte states in Brazil. In its natural environment, it often uses underground burrows or existing depressions, which it lines with silk for increased stability. It prefers areas with high humidity and dense vegetation.
Morphology and Size
L. parahybana is a true giant in the tarantula world. Adult females reach a leg span of up to 25 cm (10 inches), and their weight can exceed 100 grams. They are characterized by a velvety black body coloration, contrasted by distinct, salmon-pink hairs, especially visible on the leg joints. Juveniles have a more intense pink coloration, which becomes more subdued with age. Males are generally more slender and shorter-lived than females.
Behavior and Temperament
Despite its impressive size, L. parahybana is generally a calm and docile species. It rarely exhibits aggressive behavior; however, when threatened, like most New World terrestrial tarantulas, it can activate its primary defense mechanism – flicking urticating hairs from its abdomen. These hairs can cause irritation and itching on human skin, so direct contact should be avoided. Bites are rare and, though painful, do not pose a serious medical threat to humans, comparable to a wasp sting.
Feeding Habits
In nature, their diet consists of various insects, small rodents, and lizards. In captivity, adult specimens can be fed large crickets, cockroaches, locusts, and occasionally even pinky mice. Juveniles should be fed smaller insects. It is important not to overfeed the spider, which can lead to health problems and a shortened lifespan. Feeding 1-2 times a week is recommended for adults.
Lifespan
Female Lasiodora parahybana can live 15 to 20 years in appropriate captive conditions, making them long-term companions. Males have a significantly shorter lifespan, usually 3 to 5 years, often dying shortly after reaching sexual maturity and mating.
Husbandry Requirements
Terrarium: An adult specimen requires a spacious terrarium of at least 30x30x30 cm, with good ventilation.
Substrate: A layer of substrate about 10-15 cm deep, such as coco fiber or a mix of peat and vermiculite, which retains moisture well, should be placed at the bottom of the terrarium.
Temperature: The ideal temperature ranges from 22 to 26°C.
Humidity: The recommended humidity is 70-80%. This can be maintained by misting part of the substrate and providing constant access to a water dish.
Hideout: A permanent hideout (e.g., a piece of bark, half a coconut) should be provided to give the spider a sense of security.
Water: A shallow water dish should always be available.
Suitable for Hobbyists
Lasiodora parahybana is an excellent choice for intermediate keepers and ambitious beginners. Its size, impressive appearance, and generally calm disposition make it a fascinating species to observe. However, it is important to be aware of the urticating hairs and exercise caution during handling. This species has easy-to-meet requirements and rarely causes problems in captivity.
Why Choose This Species?
By choosing Lasiodora parahybana, you gain not only an impressive tarantula with a majestic appearance but also a pet with a predictable temperament and a long lifespan. Its adaptability and relatively simple care make it a satisfying addition to any collection. If you are looking for a large, striking, and relatively easy-to-keep tarantula, the Brazilian Salmon Pink Birdeater is a perfect choice!
Genus: Acanthoscurria
Origin: Amazon basin in northern Brazil.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests and humid forests. It is a terrestrial species that tends to dig burrows, although it does not always build nests in captivity.
Diet: In nature, they feed on insects, crickets, cockroaches, mealworms, and sometimes small lizards or rodents. In captivity, they should be fed appropriately sized live insects. Juveniles should be fed weekly, and adults every 2-3 weeks.
Characteristics:
• Size: Large tarantula species. Leg span is about 18-22 cm (7-8.5 inches).
• Lifespan: Females can live 15-20 years or more, males 3-4 years.
• Appearance: Has a dark brown or black body with distinct, shiny white stripes on its legs. The carapace can be grayish, and the abdomen covered with orange-red hairs. It is a fast-growing and striking species.
• Temperament: Usually bold and voracious. They can be quite active during feeding. If threatened, they may kick urticating hairs, but rarely bite. Their venom is not medically significant, but bites can be painful.
• Care: As a terrestrial species, it requires a deep substrate (10-15 cm). The substrate should be slightly moist, but not wet. Provide adequate ventilation and a water dish. Temperature should be 24-29°C (75-85°F), and humidity 60-80%.
• Temperament: Usually bold and voracious. They can be quite active during feeding. If threatened, they may kick urticating hairs, but rarely bite. Their venom is not medically significant, but bites can be painful.
• Care: As a terrestrial species, it requires a deep substrate (10-15 cm). The substrate should be slightly moist, but not wet. Provide adequate ventilation and a water dish. Temperature should be 24-29°C (75-85°F), and humidity 60-80%.
Acanthoscurria Geniculata, Brazilian White Knee Tarantula, tarantula care, tarantula characteristics, tarantula habitat, tarantula diet, large tarantula, terrestrial tarantula, Brazilian tarantula.
Showing 9/9
